Iraqi glee at tragedy (G-d is avenging us>

Victoria Herald Sun ^ | 2-3-03 | SUSIE O'BRIEN and RICK WALLACE

[SJackson]

THE Columbia shuttle explosion was met with jubilation on the streets of Baghdad amid claims it was God's retribution.

Elsewhere, world leaders on the brink of war united in expressing sorrow to US President George W. Bush. But Iraqi government employee Abdul Jabbar al-Quraishi said his people were "happy that it broke up".

"God wants to show that his might is greater than the Americans. They have encroached on our country. God is avenging us," he said.

Iraqi car mechanic Mohammed Jaber al-Tamini said it was retribution for Israel's aggression.

"Israel launched an aggression on us when it raided our nuclear reactor without any reason, now time has come," he said.

Israeli Colonel Ilan Ramon was among the dead astronauts.

No official comment was made by the Iraqi Government or President Saddam Hussein.

In the US Mr Bush led international mourners.

"The Columbia lost. There are no survivors," he said at the White House.

"The crew of the shuttle Columbia did not return safely to earth but we can pray that all are safely home."

He said the accident "brought terrible news and great sadness to our country", but pledged the journey into space would go on.

Prime Minister John Howard said the loss of Columbia was a tragedy and a setback to the US space program. But he said, "America's commitment to the exploration of space and its possibilities for all humanity will not be undone".

Opposition Leader Simon Crean said the US "will again rise above this tragedy and return to space".

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said the crew members "fell on the altar of science, of progress and the ambition of all of us for a better life on Earth". He singled out Col. Ramon for tribute.

"The state of Israel and its citizens stand at this difficult hour alongside the families of the astronauts, the family of Ilan Ramon and the American people and government."

Col. Ramon has become a national hero in Israel, and his sudden death shocked the nation.

Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee expressed his condolences.

"For us in India, the fact that one of them is an India-born woman (Kalpana Chawla) adds a special poignancy to the tragedy," he said.

Indians across the country gathered in temples and homes to pray for Ms Chawla.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair paid tribute to the seven courageous crew members.

In Russia, President Vladimir Putin praised men and women who had given their lives to conquer space "in the name of peace, science and the progress of civilisation".

[Mr. Mulliner]

Within minutes of hearing about the Columbia disaster, I was anticipating this kind of response from Iraq. I'm sure they are not alone in their celebration of this tragedy.

[Paul Atreides]

I'm sure the likes of Susan Saranwrap and Sean Pennhead will find a way of putting a positive spin on this celebration. Maybe, Senator cowPatty Murray can give us a detailed lecture on how safe Saddam made HIS space program.

[RJCogburn]

Iraqi government employee Abdul Jabbar al-Quraishi said his people were "happy that it broke up".

"God wants to show that his might is greater than the Americans. They have encroached on our country. God is avenging us," he said.

An Iraqi version of our own Jerry Falwell.

[pabianice]

I notice there's been a news blackout of reaction from "Palestinians."

[ppaul]

An Iraqi version of our own Jerry Falwell.

If you cannot discern the difference between the two, you are much to be pitied.
If you can, then your sick smear was uncalled for, better posted on DemocraticUnderground.

[steve-b]

If you cannot discern the difference between the two, you are much to be pitied.

Indeed I can. Jabbar is saying that God hates an enemy country; Falwell is saying that God hates his own country. Jabbar's attitude is only to be expected; Falwell ought to haul his lousy (and large) @$$ to some other country more to his liking.

[EaglesUpForever]

What depth of sub-humanity could relish the loss of innocent life? This is beyond comprehension.

Abdul Jabbar al-Quraishi is not a human being, he is beneath humanity, far lower than a pig, not worthy of the air he breathes.

[Rocko]

Senator cowPatty Murray can give us a detailed lecture on how safe Saddam made HIS space program

And she'll no doubt show strong support for Osama's "Daycare in Space" launches.

[MrBambaLaMamba]

The best way to ensure peace is to kill the enemy.

[hillsborofox]

"An Iraqi version of our own Jerry Falwell. "

Good point.

[a_Turk]

Not surprised at the crap that rolls out of peoples mouths, but I am surprised in a positive way that the word God was used in the article in place of the word Allah.

[Colt .45]

Perhaps they'll like the contrails left behind our planes when the munitions come raining down on their heads.

Neco Eos Omnes Deus Suus Agnoscet!

[null and void]

I notice there's been a news blackout of reaction from "Palestinians."

And Pakistan...

[RCW2001]

Not quite...

See here

[ysoitanly]

Bonus points for the 'religion of peace': infidels, a jew, and an Indian - all dead. guess we should send some foreign aid to 'win hearts and minds'. right.

Moe

[Mr. Mulliner]

Perhaps we need to launch some Iraqis into space. The Iraqi space program can be in charge of their re-entry and landing.

[SJackson]

I notice there's been a news blackout of reaction from "Palestinians."

Their PR people learned something from their 9/11 jubilation.

[SJackson]

Re 18, withdrawn. I should know better than to respond before reading the entire thread.

[GWfan]

Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

God be with the families of those lost.